Question reference: S5W-33651
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 30 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 17 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering procuring a catamaran to operate on the Oban-Mull route and, if so, what stage its considerations are at.
Answer
The Scottish Government is aware of a potential opportunity to purchase a catamaran being promoted by the vessels owners. It is currently under construction in Indonesia.
We understand that discussions are taking place between the vessel’s owner and the Maritime Coastguard Agency to determine the ability of the ship to meet regulatory requirements for operating safely in Scottish waters. This is an essential criteria in the search for additional tonnage.
Should the vessels owners be able to confirm that this can be achieved, further consideration will be given to the purchase in line with the normal process for considering a new vessel. This would include operational suitability and cost, detailed cost benefit analysis and consideration of affordability of introducing an additional vessel into the fleet earlier than currently planned.